Common Carder Bee

Gardens, meadows, woodlands, and urban green spaces across Europe and parts of Asia.

Nectar and pollen from a wide variety of flowering plants, with a preference for long-tubed flowers like clover and dead-nettle.

A social species that builds small nests on or just below the ground using moss and dried grass. They are known for 'carding' (combing) materials together to form the nest structure. They are active from early spring to late autumn.

Benefits: Crucial pollinator for both wildflowers and agricultural crops. Risks: Very low; they are docile and rarely sting unless they feel significantly threatened or the nest is disturbed.